Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir
Nashik, Maharashtra
Kapaleshwar Mahadev Mandir is an old Shiva temple on the Panchavati side of the Godavari. It is known for having no Nandi bull facing the shrine, which is unusual for a Shiva temple.
What to see and do
- Have darshan of Shiva and offer prayers and abhishek
- Notice the empty space where Nandi would normally face the lingam
- Combine with Ramkund, which is very close
Good to know
- It is a quieter stop than Kalaram and Ramkund, and mornings are calmer
- The temple is close to the ghat, so it is easy to add to the Panchavati walk
Spiritual significance
Local tradition says that when Shiva needed to be freed of the sin of killing a cow, Nandi advised him to bathe at Ramkund. Because Nandi guided him, Shiva is said to have accepted Nandi as his guru, which is why there is no Nandi image here.
Why it matters
- A rare Shiva temple without Nandi, with a story that places Ramkund at its centre
- Devotees often visit it after bathing at Ramkund
- One of the Shiva shrines on the Panchavati circuit